"I know the strength of Pokémon for the Silver Academy entrance exam. I want to see if your Pokémon is strong enough to compete with them."
Eichi immediately understood. Teacher Arno wanted to test Beedrill's strength.
Eichi said, "I understand. Beedrill, come out!"
He released Beedrill from its Poké Ball. As soon as it appeared, it sensed several strong auras.
Beedrill had also heard Teacher Arno's words while inside the Poké Ball.
It did not know who it would fight, but it was not afraid. Its excitement flared, and its blood-red eyes shone brightly.
Teacher Arno observed Beedrill carefully.
Then he was surprised.
This Beedrill was trained too well. Arno had seen specially trained Beedrill before.
However, those Trainers came from wealthy families. They had abundant resources to raise a strong Beedrill.
He knew Eichi's family. How could they possibly produce a Beedrill like this?
How had Eichi trained it?
Arno was curious, but he had work to do, so he kept his questions to himself.
Arno called Delibird over and said to Eichi, "This is Beedrill's opponent. Its strength will not be much higher than Beedrill's.
If there are no problems, we can start."
Eichi nodded. "Understood."
He then encouraged Beedrill. "Beedrill, good luck. Do not let Teacher Arno underestimate you."
Teacher Arno and Eichi moved to an open space. Arno's other Pokémon found a place to watch the battle.
Both Trainers stood on opposite sides. The Pokémon prepared for battle.
Delibird
Type: Ice, Flying
Abilities: Hustle, Vital Spirit
Hidden Ability: Insomnia
Delibird was red and penguin-like with a hollow tail.
Its face and chest were covered with white feathers. It carried a white pouch.
It originally liked cold places, but Alolan Delibird could tolerate some heat.
It often searched for food to share with humans and other Pokémon.
Eichi recalled its habits. Delibird mainly used Peck and Present. He wondered what moves Arno would teach it.
Arno said to Eichi, "You may start the attack first."
Eichi nodded and commanded Beedrill, "Beedrill, use Focus Energy."
During Focus Energy, Beedrill could not use other moves for a few seconds.
Teacher Arno ordered Delibird, "Delibird, use Hail."
Delibird spread its wings and made a strange sound. The surrounding air grew cold.
Soon, hail began to fall. It hit just as Beedrill finished Focus Energy.
Beedrill dodged many of the falling ice chunks, but the hail was everywhere. It still took some damage.
Eichi ordered, "Beedrill, use Agility to reach Delibird and then use Twineedle."
Beedrill endured the hail and dashed toward Delibird using Agility.
Arno saw the approach. "Delibird, use Double Team."
Beedrill reached Delibird and prepared to use Twineedle.
Delibird used Double Team to create three or four copies.
Beedrill could not tell which was real.
It attacked each one, hitting the first, second, and third copies that were fake.
This wasted time. Arno commanded, "Delibird, use Ice Beam."
A blue beam shot from Delibird's mouth. Beedrill could not dodge it and was hit directly.
Beedrill recoiled in pain. Eichi took the opportunity to use Agility again.
Beedrill vanished, and Delibird looked around.
It could not find Beedrill and became flustered. Arno quietly observed without giving more orders.
Eichi's heart did not relax.
The hail continued to damage Beedrill. He needed a quick finish.
Eichi commanded, "Beedrill, use Pin Missile on Delibird."
Five sharp needles appeared behind Delibird and flew forward.
Arno warned, "Delibird, watch behind you!"
Delibird turned and tried to dodge, but it was too slow. The needles struck.
It cried out in pain. Eichi smiled. He immediately ordered, "Beedrill, continue using Pin Missile."
Arno commanded, "Delibird, use Protect."
Delibird formed a green barrier in front of it.
All the Pin Missile needles were blocked.
Eichi thought, This Teacher Arno is too powerful. How many moves did he teach Delibird?
He told Beedrill to use Twineedle again.
Delibird blocked it with Protect again. Beedrill's attack failed.
Eichi's face grew tense. He forced himself to stay calm.
The battle was at a standstill. This situation was unfavorable for him.
He had to find a solution. He thought hard.
Arno remained calm, smiling confidently.
Seeing Arno's calm eyes, Eichi found an idea. A small, confident smile appeared on his face.
He commanded, "Beedrill, use Fury Attack on Delibird."
Beedrill's stingers struck forward.
Arno said confidently, "It will not work. Delibird, use Ice Beam."
Delibird shot a beam of ice from its mouth.
Eichi said calmly, "Charge through the Ice Beam."
Beedrill crossed its stingers in front and slowly advanced.
As it neared Delibird, Arno said, "It will not work. Delibird, use Double Team."
Delibird created five copies of itself.
Eichi smiled and said, "I was waiting for your Double Team."